CAT 2026 Registration Deadline Extended Till September 22

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have extended the registration deadline for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. Candidates who have not yet completed their applications can now register and submit the required fee until September 22, 2026, at 5 PM. The deadline was earlier scheduled for September 15.

The CAT 2026 application process is being conducted online through the official CAT website. Candidates who are yet to apply should complete the form before the revised deadline, as the authorities have advised applicants not to wait until the final hours because technical issues or heavy portal traffic may affect submission.

CAT 2026 Registration: Revised Important Date

The CAT 2026 registration window opened on August 3, 2026, at 10 AM. Following the extension, candidates now have additional time to complete registration, upload documents and pay the application fee.

The September 22 deadline is the revised closing date, so eligible candidates should complete their applications before the specified time.

CAT 2026 Exam Date and Test Cities

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. The computer-based examination will be held across around 170 cities. Candidates can select five preferred test cities while filling out the application form, and the CAT Centre will make efforts to allot a centre in one of the selected cities, subject to availability.

The examination is a gateway for admission to management programmes offered by the IIMs and several other participating business schools.

CAT 2026 Application Form Edit Window

After the registration period closes, IIMs will provide a short edit window for candidates who have successfully registered and paid the application fee within the prescribed deadline.

During this facility, candidates will be permitted to make limited changes to their photograph, signature and test-city preferences. The edit facility will not function as a general application correction window, so candidates should carefully review all other details before submitting the form.

How to Apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates who have not yet registered can complete the application process through the official CAT portal. They should first register and generate their login credentials before proceeding with the application form.

The application process involves entering personal and academic details, selecting the preferred test cities, uploading the required documents and completing the examination fee payment. Candidates should review the form carefully before final submission and retain the application confirmation and payment details for future reference.

Applicants should also maintain a valid and unique email ID and mobile number throughout the selection process.

CAT 2026 Registration: Important Instructions

Candidates should complete both registration and fee payment by September 22, 2026, at 5 PM. The CAT authorities have advised applicants to finish the process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

With the registration deadline now extended, candidates have an additional week to complete their applications. After registration closes, applicants should monitor the official CAT website for updates regarding the edit window, admit card and the November 29, 2026 examination.